The Ritz Paris Unveils a New Teatime
We have a weakness for Afternoon Tea in Paris. When the weather outside is frightful, there’s nothing better than taking a break to savor sweet treats made by talented pâtissiers in the world pastry capital. Often, this ritual is a way to experience the swank surrounds of a luxury hotel without having to shell out for a room. Our one complaint? Often the Parisian Afternoon Tea is too sweet. For those used to the British afternoon tea, featuring scones and finger sandwiches, the French version, akin to the traditional goûter, can come as a sugar-saturated surprise.
Le Tea Time à la Française d’Olivier Lainé at the Ritz Paris. Photo credit: Emanuela Cino
So it was especially delightful to try out the new teatime offered in the sumptuous Salon Proust at the Ritz Paris. Olivier Lainé, appointed head pastry chef in January 2026 after having taught at the prestigious École Ritz Escoffier since 2018, was inspired by the original “five o’clock tea” offered by the iconic hotel when it opened in 1898. He’s envisioned a three-part experience, much like a French lunch, where savory items are followed by desserts, linked by a “trait d’union” in the middle (a “hyphen”, acting as a bridge or connector).
Olivier Lainé, Chef Pâtissier at the Ritz Paris. Photo credit: SKISS
The food is wonderfully creative. The savory course, paired with a glass of champagne, consisted of a trio of delights: a salmon tart, accented with horseradish and yuzu; a mini “lobster roll”; and a bowl of roasted vegetable soup, highlighting the French adoration of sauces, with fresh focaccia for dipping. The interlude combines both sweet and savory flavors: the burrata on lemon shortbread, with pine nuts and a poached pear brunoise, looked like a delicate dessert.
The sweets arrived at the table on a pretty tiered pastry stand. There was a baba made of buckwheat, topped with kiwi, along with a chocolate charlotte, and a sunflower-shaped treat on a choux pastry flavored with Earl Grey tea and cardamom mousse. Lainé told us that the menu will change seasonally, to highlight fresh ingredients, though the charlotte will remain a menu signature.
Le Tea Time à la Française d’Olivier Lainé at the Ritz Paris. Photo :Emanuela Cino
There’s a wide selection of premium teas, including the Lavender Kiss, a blend of rare white tea leaves and hibiscus flowers; the Jardin Vendôme, a melange of green tea and wildflowers; Ritzy Earl Grey, with bergamot and French cornflowers; and L’Hiver au Ritz, a berry- and spice-accented black tea. Next time we’ll try the chocolat chaud — the chocolate is sourced from Venezuela and it’s topped with whipped cream made from fleurette cream from a cooperative in Bresse.
A nice touch: All guests depart with a box containing a chocolate treat to enjoy at home. Bite into the chocolate shell to find a praliné made with toasted country bread.
The “trait d’union” at the Ritz Paris afternoon tea. Photo: Bonjour Paris Editors
DETAILS
Tea time à la française
Salon Proust, Ritz Paris
15 Pl. Vendôme, 71st
125 euros per person, including a glass of champagne or a non-alcoholic sparkling drink, and a hot drink
Daily from 1 pm to 5 pm
Related articles:
The Best Afternoon Tea in Paris
You Have to Try this Afternoon Tea by a Pastry World Champion
A sweet confection, Ritz Paris afternoon tea. Photo: Bonjour Paris Editors
Lead photo credit : Le Tea Time à la Française d'Olivier Lainé at the Ritz Paris. Photo credit: Emanuela Cino
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